Franchise news

Costa Express has announced that it is a sponsor of the UK’s top-ranked
pro-cycling team, Rapha Condor Sharp, during the Tour of Britain which began on
9th September and finishes on 16th September 2012. According to the information
provided, the sponsorship is the first by Costa in the UK and for the
Whitbread-owned brand it rekindles a relationship with Condor that first
appeared in 1960s with the successful Condor Mackeson team.

Caroline Harris, Marketing Director of Costa Enterprises said: “Cyclists love
their coffee so it’s a natural fit for Costa Express as we grow around the UK
and are providing more and more consumers with the chance to grab a great coffee
on the go. We are very excited about the relationship, particularly at a time
when cycling is becoming so popular in the UK.”

With over 1,390 coffee shops across the UK and more than 800 internationally,
Costa is, it says, a global success story with a growing network of retail
sites. In addition to its Costa-owned shops, it also operates both corporate and
individual franchises. (kbp)